Estradiol skin patches

What is this medicine?

ESTRADIOL (es tra DYE ole) skin patches contain an estrogen. It is mostly used as hormone replacement in menopausal women. It helps to treat hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis. It is also used to treat women with low estrogen levels or those who have had their ovaries removed.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Tear open the pouch, do not use scissors. Remove the stiff protective liner covering the adhesive. Try not to touch the adhesive. Apply the patch, sticky side to the skin, to an area that is clean, dry and hairless. Avoid injured, irritated, calloused, or scarred areas. Do not apply the skin patches to your breasts or around the waistline. Use a different site each time to prevent skin irritation. Do not cut or trim the patch. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional. Do not wear more than one patch at a time unless you are told to do so by your doctor or health care professional.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

breast tissue changes or discharge

changes in vision

chest pain

confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

dark urine

general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

light-colored stools

nausea, vomiting

pain, swelling, warmth in the leg

right upper belly pain

severe headaches

shortness of breath

sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg

trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

unusual vaginal bleeding

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

hair loss

increased hunger or thirst

increased urination

symptoms of vaginal infection like itching, irritation or unusual discharge

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, apply only that dose. Do not apply double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not store any patches that have been removed from their protective pouch. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Dispose of used patches properly. Since used patches may still contain active hormones, fold the patch in half so that it sticks to itself prior to disposal.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

abnormal vaginal bleeding

blood vessel disease or blood clots

breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer

dementia

diabetes

gallbladder disease

heart disease or recent heart attack

high blood pressure

high cholesterol

high level of calcium in the blood

hysterectomy

kidney disease

liver disease

migraine headaches

protein C deficiency

protein S deficiency

stroke

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

tobacco smoker

an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam and Pap smear while on this medicine. You should also discuss the need for regular mammograms with your health care professional, and follow his or her guidelines for these tests.

This medicine can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.

If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine right away and contact your doctor or health care professional.

Smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking this medicine, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.

If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye doctor or health care professional.

This medicine can increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, with this medicine lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed (by a hysterectomy), your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with your estrogen. You should know, however, that taking estrogens with progestins may have additional health risks. You should discuss the use of estrogens and progestins with your health care professional to determine the benefits and risks for you.

If you are going to have surgery or an MRI, you may need to stop taking this medicine. Consult your health care professional for advice before you schedule the surgery.

Contact with water while you are swimming, using a sauna, bathing, or showering may cause the patch to fall off. If your patch falls off reapply it. If you cannot reapply the patch, apply a new patch to another area and continue to follow your usual dose schedule.